Achieving Library Refurbishment: Get the most out of matched funding and

careful design planning

Ursula Byrne, Head of Development & Strategic Programmes, UCD, Ireland

Context 1

• University College Dublin – largest university in Ireland– C.25,000 users– 5 libraries– James Joyce Library

• Spence, Glover & Ferguson Architects• Phase 1 (1972); Phase 2 (1987)• 15,000sq m • library occupies c.13,600 sq m • c. 1million visits per year

Context 2: economic overview• Irish Celtic Tiger – 1990s / 2000s• 2007 / 2009 - Economy (GDP) shrank by 11%– Unemployment rose from 4.5% - > c. 15%– increased student no. ; decreased staff no. – Reduction in Higher education funding over 2009/10

by 15%• Library budget reduced by 27% between 07/08 and

11/12

Context 3: being successful

• understanding user needs• Irish / International trends• Local needs - Group study room usage ; LibQual • high quality flexible spaces

• Making a pitch -> Communicating your vision

• Short & long term projects• phased development• £££ -Matched funding

• Commitment to process & timeframe• Build on trust and credibility

• Influencing future change /decision making

• high quality space - to engage key stake holders

Timeline - Spring to Autumn 2012

• Spring 2012 - make the case for matched funding

• Appoint architects

• Brief /timeframe discussed

• Tender process / Builders appointed

• Clearing space – liaise with various units to weed/ clear spacess

• Furniture/fittings selection /reselection

• Changing the brief ; size of refurbished space

• Start of term – users disrupted

• End of Oct - Library Hub opened

• December – B&S approach Library with another project….

Reddy Architects : Design brief

• 1970s building -horizontal lines of concrete and glass

Brief : • modern and contemporary• design layout that includes wall, flooring, seating and

canopy areas. • ability to extend design across different areas, as funding

comes on stream; • ability to use bright or quiet combinations of colours • Allow us to develop individual projects that meet different

user needs, while creating an overall sense of unity• Flexibility• Maximise access to power

• circular patterns used in design concept

– in wall panels, lighting, furniture, signage etc. :

– in carpets - provides for scenarios where carpet colours/styles not

available in the future.

• Strong bright colour palate

• phasing doesn’t look patchy, or produce dated sections.

• Living with risk

Projects

Social learning space

Special Collections reading room

Multi purpose learning space / Service desk

Using Art in the Library

Social learning space

• Overall plan of space

• re purpose under-used “prime space” - with natural light; good views; proximity to service desk & library entrance

• bringing colleagues on board with the idea of introducing busy/noisy learning space into a previously quiet library.

• Branding of space – inside and …

… outside

• Getting acoustics right was critical to success. • Fabric; high booths; acoustic clouds• Limiting number of seats

• high quality finish ; durability ; • choice of seating - high stools; chairs; high booths -• computers • carpet finishes •

• access to technology /electrical power• some wired for laptop users; some with

Library PCs; • individual work spaces• very positive feedback from the library

user community

• “reception area” • over 65 seats, • spaces don’t have to be booked in advance• comfortable flexible furniture some of

which can be moved

Special Collections • Upgrade of office area, expanded seating

capacity for readers • Follow through with circles / colour scheme

Carpet placed before glass• Maximise access to natural light

• Colour contrast• Increased visibility• Images on glass• Irish language in

signage

Multipurpose learning space

• Nov 2012 approached by UCD Buildings & Services

• temporarily space to house Maths Support Unit

• 6 months tenancy• Funding provided• Benefit of using

memorandum of understanding

• Maximise access to the space

• Opportunities to establish other library initiatives

Prerequisites• Collaborative learning space• located just inside the entrance area• highly visible location ; high footfall. • glass fronted room, over 50 sq. meters in size. • accommodating new and important services to

meet changing user needs

New Service Desk

• new multi-purpose learning space provided other opportunities

• Develop new service desk– Wanted to do for this some

time - no budget. – resurfaced a part of the old

desk with Corian. – Repositioned desk - opposite

the entrance

•

Phase 2• Continued theme

of circles• Recovered old

desk in Corian• Welcome - Fáilte• New desk reflects

new model of library service provision

• growing popularity of self service

Art in spaces• using more art

/colour • improve aesthetic

feel of the library– create environments

that are pleasant, inviting and inspiring to work in.

• borrowing pieces from the university art collection

• commissioning wall panels that illustrate images of literary interest